Research Assistant III- Andersen Lab

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Scripps Research is ranked the most influential institution in the world for its impact on innovation. We expand basic knowledge in the biosciences and use these fundamental advancements to develop profound innovations that improve wellbeing. Our educational and training programs mold talented and committed students and postdocs into leading edge scientists. Scientists in the institute’s five academic research departments work hand-in-hand with researchers of the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Cali  to merge foundational studies in biology, chemistry and computer science with translational science to produce pioneering drugs and advances in digital and precision medicine.

Together, we cultivate new scientific leaders and expand the frontiers of knowledge to deliver medical breakthroughs to better human health around the globe. If you have a passion for making a difference, this could be your opportunity to join our transformative team.

Research Assistant III

The Scripps Research Institute is currently seeking a Research Assistant for the Andersen Lab in the Department of Translational Medicine (positions at higher levels may also be considered). The Andersen lab conducts diverse projects that integrate immunological and computational genomics approaches to study emerging viruses and the outbreaks they cause, including SARS-CoV-2, Lassa virus, H5N1 influenza virus, Mpox virus, and others.

Our work is highly multidisciplinary, incorporating clinical cohort studies, wastewater surveillance, technology development, and field work to investigate these viruses and associated host responses.

We are seeking a highly motivated individual to work collaboratively with other lab members:

• Conduct molecular, cellular, and functional immunological assays using samples from virus-infected cohorts.
• Contribute to the development of new tools for detecting and sequencing viruses in wastewater. In this role, you would play a key part in supporting investigations of adaptive immunity in Lassa fever and COVID-19 by contributing to the optimization and execution of diverse experimental approaches, including systems serology, flow cytometry, and transcriptomics.
• Additionally, you would develop, test, and deploy wastewater sequencing methods and protocols, including for longitudinal monitoring of endemic and emerging pathogen evolution and spread.
• This role provides a unique opportunity to build experience across multiple research disciplines, including systems immunology and viral genomics, while working with a wide range of pathogens and experimental methods. It is ideally suited for candidates with a strong interest in infectious disease research and global health.
• Candidates with prior experience or training in immunology are particularly encouraged to apply.
• This position involves close work with other lab members to design and execute bench-level experiments, present your work at lab meetings, and contribute directly to research publications.

• Plan and conduct immunological assays on clinical samples, including (but not limited to) multiplexed Luminex assays, functional antibody profiling assays, flow cytometry phenotyping and functional assays, and bulk and/or single-cell RNA sequencing.
• Design and iterative improvement of sequencing schemes for target pathogens from wastewater samples
• Will be responsible for handling and processing of biological samples in BSL2+ lab conditions. Experience in library preparation and NGS sequencing platforms, such as Illumina, AVITI and Oxford Nanopore, is recommended.
• Plan and conduct a small or average-sized project or a large portion of a more diverse project
• Work under minimal supervision. Independently carry out a wide variety of standard laboratory techniques/procedures while using judgment when necessary to adapt standard methods and techniques. Receive instructions on specific assignment objectives, complex features, and possible solutions.
• Present work at lab meetings and participate in academic publications.
• Routine equipment maintenance.
• Work and coordinate research with our many public health…